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At Pass Logistics, prioritising employee wellbeing is at the core of our values. We believe in fostering open communication and recognising signs of employee distress, enabling us to implement supportive measures.

In January 2022, Lara Cooper, our Group HR Advisor, embarked on a transformative journey by enrolling in a Mental Health First Aid course, organised in collaboration with the Doncaster Chamber. Her goal was to gain insights into the intricacies of mental health and develop the ability to identify early indicators of mental health challenges within our workforce. Today, we sit down with Lara for an enlightening interview, exploring her experiences and newfound expertise.

PL: What made you decide to undertake a First Aid for mental health course?

LC: I’ve always been a people person and like to talk to people. Mental Health is a taboo subject. I wanted to understand how to identify when someone is feeling low and not themselves. I also needed the skills on how to broach the subject with them.

PL: What did the course entail?

LC: Our trainer was fantastic and spoke about personal experiences. The course touched on lots of different types of mental health illnesses. It was re iterated to me that I’m not a counsellor. The course taught me the skills on how to recognise when someone might need some additional support. It looked at different ideas that I can suggest to those who might need my help. 

PL: What did you enjoy about the course, and what was the main thing you have taken from it?

LC: I really enjoyed learning the techniques on how to talk to people. I have been practising this in conversation with lots of different people already. I don’t want to give away my secrets though! It also discussed the importance of self-care. I am trying to make a conscious effort to spend some time doing things I enjoy.

PL: How do you aim to put what you have learnt into practice in the workplace and how will this benefit the Pass Logistics family?

LC: My role at Pass already entails me spending time seeing how our employees are. We pride ourselves on being a family business and knowing everyone individually. The skills I have learnt mean I can keep an eye on any changes I might notice in people. We want to ensure that our employees know that we care and will support them as best we can.

In concluding our conversation with Lara, it's evident that Pass Logistics is taking concrete steps to foster a workplace culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees. Lara's dedication to enhancing her understanding of mental health and her commitment to open communication align perfectly with our values. As we move forward, her newfound expertise will serve as a valuable resource in ensuring that every member of the Pass Logistics family feels supported and valued. We are dedicated to ensuring mental health in the workplace is not just a priority but a shared responsibility, reflecting our core belief that together, we can overcome challenges and thrive as a united team.